Release of Directory Information
The federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) authorizes school districts to identify certain information as ”directory information” which may be released publicly unless a parent or legal guardian indicates, in writing, they do not want such information released.
The Olympia School District’s Policy 3231 defines directory information as:
- Student name, address, and telephone number (unless unlisted)
- Date and place of birth
- Course/field of study
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of athletic team members
- Diplomas and awards received
- Schools attended and dates of attendance
The directory information may be used in printed and electronic forms such as student directories, school yearbooks and newspapers, and newsletters. Such information will not be released for commercial purposes.
Section 9528 of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, 2001 (NCLB) grants military recruiters and higher education institutions access to personal student information upon request. Parents/Legal guardians may request of the school, in writing, that they not want such information released.
Photographs, or other visual communication tools such as videos or website, may include students in communication materials about the District or for other non-profit, education-related purposes. Parent/Legal guardians may request, in writing, that their student not be included in such visual communication.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (”eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal or his/her designee, a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal or designee will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. The should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information
contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA
authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure
without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational
interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an
administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health
or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel): a person serving on the
School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to
perform a special task (such as an attorney, hearing officer, auditor, medical
consultant, or therapist): or a parent or student serving on an official
committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another
school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a
legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education
record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the District discloses educational records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. - The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of
FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605